Ilook forward to what God has in store for us as a congregation in 2018. We will get things started in a grand way with our Imagine Celebration at all services on January 7. This past fall, we imagined what life would be like if we managed our money God’s way. Through participation in Financial Peace University (FPU) classes, many persons learned how to live within their means and found freedom from debt and worry. On January 7th, we will celebrate how lives were transformed through the experience and “imagine” what might happen when we choose to honor God with all He’s entrusted to our care – not just our money, but our time, talents, and relationships as well. You won’t want to miss this fun and exciting start to the New Year.

We will follow up that celebration with a three-week sermon series called, “Imagine Great Relationships.” Using the Great Commandment as a guide, we will explore how we can fulfill Jesus’ directives to love God, others, and ourselves. I believe we will all benefit from these lessons since life is all about relationships and the Kingdom of God is a kingdom of right relationships.

I am very excited about our “Renewal 2018” that is planned for early February. My friend and mentor, Mark Nysewander, will be coming as our guest speaker. Mark is the teaching pastor at the Riverstone Church in suburban Atlanta and has served as a United Methodist pastor, evangelist, missionary, and church planter. He is the author of four books and has had a tremendous influence on my life and ministry. I really look forward to you meeting him and benefiting from his anointed ministry. On Saturday morning, February 10, Mark will teach a 3-session seminar on the coming of God’s Kingdom and the return of Christ. Then he will serve as the preacher at our Sunday morning services and special nightly services, Sunday through Tuesday, February 11-13. Mark will describe what revival looks like and how we can avail ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit. More details will follow, but for now, please mark your calendars, reserve the dates, and plan to attend. There will be activities for children during the evening services and nursery care will be provided.

As you can see, we are going to get off to a fast start in 2018. I believe we are in for an exciting ride, so “buckle your seat belts” and prepare to see God do His life-changing work. Please join me in praying for the Lord to bring renewal and revival to the Lynn Haven United Methodist Church so we, in turn, can make a difference for Christ and change our community and world. To God be the glory!